Ohio Corrections Officer Punches And Slams Inmate’s Head In Cell

A Clermont County corrections officer is accused of repeatedly punching an inmate in the ribs and slamming his head against a sink during a confrontation inside a jail cell.

Body camera footage from July 7 shows Matthew Mullenix entering the cell as the inmate appears to be hanging from his neck using a T-shirt and a hook on the wall.

Mullenix attempts to remove the shirt before freeing the inmate and throwing him onto his bunk. He then repeatedly punches him in the ribs while demanding that he give him his hands.

The inmate pleads with Mullenix not to hurt him before Mullenix slams his head against the leg of a sink.

The Clermont County grand jury used the footage as evidence to indict Mullenix on two counts of felonious assault.

The prosecutor told the judge the inmate suffered at least six rib fractures, including anterior and posterior fractures, some of which were displaced. He also suffered a head laceration requiring 23 staples.

Mullenix, an eight-year veteran of the Clermont County Jail, is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case. He is due back in court in October and could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted.